The threefold purpose of Christian education for Catholic schools is to foster growth in faith, build community, and serve the human community. Each class has daily experiences which include prayer and the Diocesan approved curriculum lessons. Students in grades K – 8th attend Mass once a week.
Other celebrations of Mass are arranged with the Pastor. We observe holy days and special feast days by attending Mass or prayer services. Most federal holidays are preceded by a prayer service or other celebration. Advent, Lent, and Easter include school-wide activities to enrich the seasons.
Sacramental Preparation
Sacramental Preparation in St. Peter’s Parish has two components: The continuum of Faith, which consists of ongoing instructions in the faith and life of Catholics, and the immediate preparation for the reception of the sacrament. St. Mary’s Academy, through its religious education curriculum and through the whole experience provided by the school environment, fulfills the parish requirements for the continuum of faith.
Prior to the reception of First Reconciliation/ Communion and/or Confirmation, a student must have been enrolled at St. Mary’s Academy for a full academic year. It will also be necessary for a student and their parent(s) to participate in the immediate preparation program (about 6 hours per sacrament over the course of the year, together with any retreats and the completion of required service hours) provided by the parish for each sacrament being received.
The School will provide information about enrollment and dates for these programs.
The preferred time for the reception of the sacrament of First Reconciliation and Eucharist is second grade. The preferred time for the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is sixth or seventh grade.